We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Emily Fickes a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Emily, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your business and how did you resolve those issues?

When deciding to open my small store I had a vision and a dream….. I knew I wanted to help others in the process of following my own and show people that anything is possible. When I first opened I had very few vendors. Signs on tables that said “this spot could be yours”. I quickly fill those spots. However some items just sat and wouldn’t sell. I have trouble with conflict and don’t like confrontation. I would use my own money to buy peoples inventory to spare their feelings. I was buying inventory just to boost people’s morale. But soon ran out of money to do that. Not understanding that right now times are tough for everyone. Including myself and my small business. If I don’t make enough in sales I can’t pay my expenses. I keep afloat now one day at a time. I have learned to say no and to be better with money management.

Emily, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I decide to open my shop after I lost my grandfather to Covid 19. He was my hero, mentor and greatest supporter. I felt lost after losing him. But have felt guided in the direction of following my dreams and opening Verge Of Fantastic, which I named after a saying he would often say when people would ask how he was doing…. He would respond “RIGHT ON THE VERGE OF FANTASTIC”. My shop features handmade unique items made by local Minnesota residents. Located in Glenwood, Mn.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

I think the most effective strategy for me has been social media. Not having much money to advertise it has been a great resource tool for me. I have enjoyed learning what other do and going off of that.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

My kids have shown my how to use tik tok and now I really enjoy making tik toks. Even though they think I’m pretty embarrassing

Contact Info:

• Website: www.vergeoffantastic.com

Image Credits
M.M Photography